"As a freshman, I thought everyone was silly saying, 'enjoy high school while you can because it goes by so fast,' but they were right," she said. "...To the graduating class of 2014, I say, 'Shoot for the stars, work hard and never give up. Obstacles may come by but we are humans, we can overcome anything."

Salutatorian Cyril Miller urged the graduates to remember what they had learned.

"People who overlook their failures do not achieve the success they desire," he said. "People who overlook their successes do not achieve the happiness they desire. I beg you, look at your family, your friends; we owe it to these people, the ones who have supported us, to find happiness and success."

Valedictorian Brooke Benedict meditated upon the concept of accomplishment, comparing the humble accomplishments made by her peers in high school to those of famous figures Abraham Lincoln, Michael Jordan and Stephen Spielberg.

"At our ages, these men had not yet made history," she said. "They possessed modest accomplishments and pure potential, just as we do today. ...So, Class of 2014, instead of asking what you have accomplished, I will ask you something far more important: what will you accomplish?"

The final speaker was teacher Neil Lash, who has worked at Medomak Valley High school since 1980.

"Make wise choices in your life," he said. "Calculate before you act. Reason with yourself reasonably. Many who look for the easy way out have trouble finding the exit. if you need to break a habit, drop it. Too many complain and think it's a hardship to live without things their grandparents never even heard of."

He concluded, "Seniors: the road is long, and leads to who knows where or when, but on behalf of the Medomak Valley High School administration and faculty, I wish each of you the very best, and please know my thoughts and prayers go with you all."

The June 11, 2014 graduation ceremony at Medomak Valley High School was a big night for Salutatorian Cyril Frederick Miller, who delivered a speech to fellow graduates and received several honors.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

Halie Drew Haskins sings the National Anthem June 11 during the commencement program for the class of 2014 at Medomak Valley High School. Later in the evening she would sing John Ondrasik's "100 Years."
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

The graduates of Medomak Valley High School march into the gym for the commencement program June 11.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

Aaron Smeltzer leads the teachers in for the 2014 graduation ceremony at Medomak Valley High School.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

Medomak Valley High School Senior Class President Ashton Mae Harvey greets those attending the 2014 commencement ceremony at the school June 11.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

More than 100 students graduate June 11 at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

Neil Lash speaks June 11 at the Medomak Valley High School graduation.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)

Kristi Severson is all smiles after receiving her high school diploma June 11 at Medomak Valley High School.
(Photo by: Daniel Dunkle)